Effects of Coal and Sewage Sludge Ashes on Macronutrient Content in Maize (Zea mays L.) Grown on Soil Contaminated with Eco-Diesel Oil

Petroleum hydrocarbons, as aggressive components of diesel oils, after migration to the land environment can alter the activity and efficiency of ecosystems. They can also be dangerous to animal and human health. Eco-friendly methods for the reclamation of affected soils is necessary to manage degraded lands. One such method is the use of ashes. The aim of this research was to determine how soil pollution with diesel oil (brand name, Eco-Diesel) affects the chemical composition of maize (Zea mays L.) and whether the application of ash from a combined heat and power plant, as well as from sewage sludge incineration, could reduce the potentially adverse impact of diesel oil on plants. The research results demonstrated that soil contamination with Eco-Diesel oil modified the content of selected macronutrients in the analyzed crop plant. Eco-Diesel oil had a negative effect on maize yield. The highest diesel oil dose in a series without neutralizing substances had a positive effect on the accumulation of most elements, except nitrogen and sodium. Soil enrichment with ash differentiated the content of macronutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, in the aerial biomass of maize. The ashes increased the yield of maize and content of some macronutrients, mainly nitrogen but also calcium, the latter in a series where soil was treated with ash from sewage sludge thermal recycling. Both types of ash also resulted in a decrease in the plant content of phosphorus, while ash from hard coal caused a slight reduction in the content of potassium in maize. Ash of different origins can be an effective solution in the reclamation of degraded soils, which may then be used for growing energy crops.

An effect of fat emulsions of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae on the germination capacity and energy of sprouting of pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds

Various oils, fats and emulsifiers in the composition of preparations for soil enrichment or plant protection can have a significant effect on the germination capacity and energy of sprouting of pea seeds. Fat of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae can be used as a pesticide carrier as well as for increasing seed resistance to contamination with fungi and insects during storage and sprouting. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine an effect of insect fat in a form of an emulsion on sprouting of pea seeds of the variety “Rodnik” depending on a type of an emulsifier or stabilizer. It was found that the use of 0.3 weight% of xanthan gum as a stabilizer for fat emulsion of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae significantly increased the number of germinated seeds and the energy of seed sprouting. The use of 1–5 weight% of Tween 20 as an emulsifier for fat of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae led to inhibition of seed growth. Lecithin, sodium caseinate and microcellulose with addition of fat of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae also decreased the germination capacity and sprouting of pea seeds (Pisum sativum L.).

Composition of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger), Soil Properties and Soil Enzyme Activities Grown in Different Concentration of Mineral Fertilizers

Ginger is rich in different chemical compounds such as phenolic compounds, terpenes, polysaccharides, lipids, organic acids, minerals, and vitamins. The present study investigated the effect of mineral fertilizers on the content of mineral elements in the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, soil enzymes activity, and soil properties in Surkhandarya Region, Uzbekistan. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first in Uzbekistan to investigate the mineral elements of ginger rhizome inhabiting Termez district, Surkhandarya region. A Field experiment was conducted at the Surkhandarya experimental station research Institute. Four treatments have been studied (Control with no fertilizers (T-1), N75P50K50 kg/ha (T-2), N125P100K100 kg/ha (T-3) and N100P75K75 + B3Zn6Fe6 kg/ha (T-4)). Results showed that T-4 treatment significantly increased ginger rhizome K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Na, Mn, Zn, Si, Li, and V content as compared to all other treatments and control. T-3 treatment significantly increased Mo, Ga, and Ag content in comparison to other treatments. Soil enzymes showed a significant increase for all treatments against control, while T-4 treatment has recorded the highest enzyme activity in comparison to all other treatments in urease, invertase, and catalase content. Soil chemical properties have significantly changed for all treatments against the non-cultivated soil and the zero fertilizers plantation with variation among different treatments. Results showed that ginger root is rich in minerals and can be used as a great potential for nutritional supplements and soil enrichment. This study suggest that combination of macro-microelements have the potential to increase the content of mineral elements in the rhizomes of ginger in field conditions.

Biologisation impact on soil condition, grapevine mineral nutrition and productivity

The research aimed to study the combined effect of inter-row sodding with perennial grasses and biofertiliser applications (microbial preparations, MPs) on soil fertility and biological activity, as well as on mineral nutrition, productivity and quality of grapes. The experiment was conducted at a vineyard of the Shasla x Berlandieri 41B-rootstock Muskat Belyy variety nearby Sevastopol. The two-factor design was as follows. Sodding: with segetal vegetation (SV) or a mixture of seeded cereal and leguminous herbs (MHs). Microbial preparations: grapevine root system and soil bacterisation with MPs of various action, including Diazophyte nitrogen fixer, Phosphoenterin (PE) phosphate-mobiliser and a complex of microbial preparations (CMP) additionally containing Biopolycide bioprotector. In control, MPs were not applied with SV or MH sodding. Preparations were introduced in soil once a year prior to grapevine flowering at a dose of 200 g MP suspension per bush. Herbs were mown 5–6 times per season at 30–40 cm height. A combined sodding—MPs usage has been found to increase the nitrate content by 24–45, mobile P2O5 – by 16–21, exchangeable K2O – by 28–50 and organic matter – by 0.06–0.13 % relative to control. The greatest increase in N-NO3–K2O content was registered for the combination of MHs, Diazophyte and CMP; combined SV—CMP–MHs had the greatest impact on mobile P2O5 and organic matter. Biologisation enriched mineral grapevine nutrition, especially for P and K, as well as increased the bush productivity by 10–14 % (maximum in CMP–MHs) via improving the berry and bunch mass and grape quality via significantly increasing the sugar content and lowering acidity of wort. MHs–CMP maximized counts of agronomically valuable microorganisms involved in the organic and mineral nitrogen and phosphorus turnover (ammonifiers and oligotrophs by 120–130, amylolytics and phosphate mobilisers by 50–70 and oligonitrophilic by 50– 80 %). All usages contributed to soil enrichment with nutrients and humus.

Farmer’s perception of climate change and adaptation strategies under temperate environmental conditions of Kashmir, India

A study was conducted in nine different topographical locations of Kashmir valley to know the perception of the farmers about climate change. Adaptation and mitigation strategies adopted by the farmers were also documented over a specified period viz., 1980-2019. Results from the observed data revealed warming trends in all seasons, however, winter and spring season temperatures have shown statistically significant increasing trends at the rate of 0.040C/year. Analysis of seasonal and annual precipitation data shows a decreasing trend at the rate of -4.5 mm/ year. The farmers in the study areas had perceived that the climate has changed for the last four decades. Increasing temperature, frequent droughts and less snowfall were the main visual parameters experienced by the farmers. About 30-35% of the farmers have adopted different strategies by default to mitigate ill effects of climate change. However, the majority of the farmers (70%) have not adopted any strategy to cope up with the impacts of climate change. Farmers (>90%) have stressed on provision for an early warning system, timely supply of inputs, provision of financial support and nutrients for soil enrichment as viable options to combat the ill effects of climate change.

Environmental Impact on Soil and Water Because of Mining Activities in the Eastern Part of Jiu Valley

Analysing environmental impacts of mining activities involves detailed studies of the interactions between technological activities/operations carried out in a mining operation and environmental components affected by them. In order to carry out a more complex environmental impact assessment caused by mining in the eastern part of Jiu Valley on soil and water 4 mining units have been considered in the study, these being mining unit Lonea, Petrila, and Livezeni with their belonging dumps. Main objective of this research is to analyse the impact caused by mining activities in Eastern part of Jiu Valley by the method of impact networks according to the model “causes - pressures, depreciation of the quality of environmental factors – affected parameters - impact”. Thus, impacts caused by the mining industry were identified based on the top-down typology, being shaped impact networks for underground coal exploitation and sterile material storage on the surface. The metal content of the dumps was also analysed in order to assess the degree of metals soil enrichment compared to the reference concentration of a blank sample. The analysis of the influence of the local rainfall regime aims to highlight the leaching potential of heavy metals in the body of the dump and the possibility of analysing the scenarios of extension of the pollution phenomenon to the saturated area. The study is addressed to researchers, environmental engineers, hydrogeologists and geologists who want to deepen the study of transfer mechanisms of contaminants from dumps to watercourses receiving areas and their dispersion in unsaturated and saturated areas.